If you suffered injuries due to a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries from the dog’s owner and any other negligent parties under Virginia’s dog bite laws. However, you must prove your case if you want to receive a fair settlement from the insurance company or win your case at a jury trial. Here are the types of evidence you need to collect.
Important Evidence You Need in a Dog Bite Case
In order to be entitled to compensation, you would need to prove that the dog’s owner knew or should have known that their dog was dangerous or aggressive or was negligent by failing to use reasonable care to restrain and control their dog. You would also have to establish the seriousness of your injuries and the amount of compensation you should recover for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Here are the types of evidence to collect that will help you:
- Photos. Take photos of the scene of the dog attack, the dog, and your injuries with your cell phone camera. If you are too hurt to do this, ask a bystander to do this for you.
- Witnesses. You should obtain the contact information for any witnesses who saw the dog bite you. You also may want to talk to neighbors of the dog owner who may be able to help you prove the dog was aggressive or dangerous.
- Your clothes. Save your bloodied and torn clothes in the same condition they were in after the attack in a sealed plastic bag or box. They could be compelling evidence to show the jury if your case goes to a jury trial.
- Notes. As soon as possible after your dog attack, write down the details of how the dog attacked you. You should also start a journal where you keep a record of your medical appointments and the pain you are suffering due to your injuries.
- Medical bills. You should save your medical bills and records to show the seriousness of your injuries and how much to request for your medical expenses in your settlement.
- Paystubs. You should save your pay stubs and other documentation of the sick and vacation time, bonuses, and other perks of your job that you lost while you were off work recovering from your injuries.
- Expert witnesses. Depending on the disputes with the insurance company, you may need to hire an expert witness, such as a dog breed expert, economic expert, or medical expert, to strengthen your case.
Contact an Experienced Attorney in Norfolk Today
If you were injured in a dog attack, you need the help of an experienced premises liability attorney to collect the evidence you need and to go up against the insurance company so that you receive all the compensation you deserve for your injuries. At Tavss Fletcher, we help dog bite victims throughout the Virginia Beach and Norfolk area. To learn how we can assist you, call our office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.
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